Who’s in the news this week

Welcome to our weekly roundup of employee comings and goings and other people-related news across the home furnishings industry. Here’s the latest:

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In a transition that might come as a surprise to some in the home furnishings industry, the leadership at Phillips Collection is changing next month.

On Dec. 1, Jason Phillips will assume the role of CEO at the furniture and décor company, replacing his father, Mark Phillips, who is transitioning into the role of chairman. The move comes as the father-son team is positioning the company for its next stage of growth and following the move to a stand-alone, year-round showroom last year.

“After more than 40 years of growing Phillips Collection, now feels like the right time to pass the torch to the next generation,” said Mark Phillips. “Jason has shown a clear vision for the company’s future, and with [my daughter] Jessica stepping into leadership after earning her MBA from High Point University, I feel confident that the business is in strong hands.”

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The American Home Furnishings Alliance has hired Gene Clark as vice president of membership and associate member relations.

He also will serve as executive director of AHFA’s Solution Partners and Specialized Furniture Carriers divisions.

Clark succeeds Michael Padjen, who is retiring at the end of 2024.

A 35-year veteran of the home furnishings industry, Clark has held sales and management positions at Vaughan-Bassett and Bassett Furniture, was president of U.S. operations for Ligna Furniture, and most recently has been a managing partner of My Home Furnishings, a youth bedroom source.

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Clarence Smith, CEO and chairman of retailer Havertys, will retire from the CEO position effective Jan. 1, 2025, transitioning to the role of executive chairman.

In his place, Steve Burdette, president of the Atlanta-based retailer, will step into the CEO role, becoming president, CEO and member of the board of directors. Havertys announced the moves on Nov. 12.

Smith began his career with Havertys as a manager trainee in 1973 in Columbia, S.C., and moved through the ranks of the company. He has served in several capacities at the store, operational and corporate levels, including regional manager of the mid-south and the Atlanta region. He was named senior vice president, stores in 1996 and chief operating officer in 2000. Smith was elected CEO in 2003 and served as president from 2002 until 2021. He was elected to the board of directors in 1989 and named chairman in 2012.

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Sunwin Global Industry has hired a leader who brings three decades of experience in retail and wholesale to the business.

Stephen Budd joins the company as CEO for North America, effective immediately. He was recently chief commercial officer of Beximco Textiles, a $2 billion company specializing in vertical and sustainable manufacturing for some of the world’s largest retailers.

Previously, Budd served in presidential roles for Sunrise Brands, Future Source (a division of JCPenney), GIII Apparel, Elie Tahari and BCBG Max Azria Group. He began his career with Robinsons Department Store in Los Angeles.

Sunwin Global – best known in the home textiles industry for its blankets and throws – also produces home décor, pet goods, apparel, accessories and baby & kids merchandise. Its global design teams are stationed in Shanghai, London and New York.